When photographing churches, it is quite natural to visit on local cemeteries. What is eye striking, are war memorials or as we call them: “Pro Patria” in English “For the Fatherland” statues. Some of them are great, some less great, because some villages are poor. This is quite understandable because total number of deaths was 90 000 and wounded nearly 200 000. This means that in many small villages there were after war nearly young children and old men. Women had to do same work than their decedent husbands and also their own work. But the war is not the only one thing were people died. In 1866–1868 we had great famine. During those years eight percent of total number of our population died. In numbers that is 115707 persons. Also in 1695—1697 we had bigger famine and then 150000 died. That number was about one third about the whole population.

Good morning, Matti
I looked at the site and tried to imagine what it was during the war. Thank God, I have not yet experienced it. It must have been terrible. I know it well from the stories my parents and other older people. The monuments should be a memorial to ensure that it does not happen again. I want peace for the entire world and that all people will soon get better. You have reached this page presented in color, of course, and again, very exemplary. I am very glad that I could look at it. I continue to try to regularly visit your blog. I wish you and Anya all the best for your health and daily ways. Thank you for your kind comments on my web page. Here it is snowing heavily since this morning. Drive carefully. Dear greetings Christel

Thank You visiting here. My father-in-law is 92 years old and every time when visiting him we “must” listen to war stories. They differs very much from those which are presented in movies, but it is natural, because they are based on real experiences. He is half death, because in war he was wounded by grenade into one ear and one eye. He has still very tiny shrapnels in his other eye. So when talking with him, we must shout. But what is odd, that he can still live in his own detached house and taking care of housekeeping, shopping etc.

Beautiful memorials, lots of unique designs that convey a lot of emotion (I like the two men kneeling in particular). Lovely series of photos.

NZ sent men to both World Wars and every town here has a memorial, usually with the names of local men who died. While typically not as ‘creative’ as the ones in your posts, the memorials have a quiet grace about them and I’m thinking about a very long term project to progressively capture them all. That would be a big undertaking!

Thank you for your kind comment. When visiting graveyards here one notices immediately that memorials and tomb stones have a place of honor nearby churches and the tombs are kept well by parishes.

I love art and on cemeteries there are plenty of art. In Helsinki on its biggest cemetery last year’s summer we did find many angel statues. I said to my wife that someday we have to spend a whole day there photographing art on cemetery.

I am happy that You have there also memorials and thus honor those who gave their lives in the war.

Thank you for sending the link to your images of war memorials. Cemeteries are fascinating places filled with so many that died protecting their nation. It truly is a humbling experience to see first hand.

Thank You. I feel happy that You did see my post. Cemeteries are also full with art and history. I got my inspiration to visit cemeteries in Paris when visiting there the cemetery of Père-Lachaise. I highly recommend!

Dear Sartenada! … Thanks for providing historical information about your beautiful country…
These war memorials are almost sublime… One can feel the pain, the lost but overall the respect towards those who passed away during belic episodes. Really touching . I shall share it on Twitter later today when I sign up! … all my best wishes to you. Aquileana ⭐